Binky Lee Preserve

about Binky Lee Preserve

Binky Lee Preserve is an expanse of former agricultural land that is being converted back to natural woodlands and meadows. Returning the land to nature actually requires a great deal of care and skill. For several decades, we’ve employed a range of restoration techniques to improve these habitats so plants and wildlife can thrive, and for people to enjoy.

More than 50,000 native trees have been planted on the preserve—a process known as afforestation—in an effort to expand the wooded areas. In other sections of the preserve, by not mowing we allow them to return to woodlands on their own. While it won’t happen overnight—and we’ll need to try to mitigate the impact of deer and invasive plants—these trees will eventually provide critical forest habitat for wildlife.

background

The original 89-acre farm—which had been named for a previous owner’s beloved horse—was donated to Natural Lands in 1989 by the Seiple family. A 23-acre addition was purchased in 2008.

Binky Lee Preserve is an example of the farms that dominated the Chester County landscape in the 18th century. The barn on the property dates to about 1860 and, although it has undergone additions and renovations over the years, it retains much of the character of the original structure.

Address

1445 Pikeland Road
Chester Springs, PA 19425
directions

Visitor Hours

Wednesday - Monday: dawn to dusk Tuesday: closed
visitor guidelines

Trail Map

Features

Hiking

Restrooms

Seasonal Hunting

what to expect

Binky Lee Preserve has one parking lot down a long driveway. The lot is paved and has 13 parking spaces. The gate will close at dusk; it opens automatically to let cars out.

Parking is free.

Accessible parking: The main parking lot has one accessible parking space.

Trail Surfaces: Trails are unpaved and range from grassy meadow trails to dirt woodland trails. The grade ranges from flat to rolling hills.

Areas with gentle or no slope: parking lot

Benches and rest areas: There are three benches located along the Yellow Trail and one along the Mill Brook Trail.

Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.

Service animals providing assistance for visitors with disabilities are welcome.

Learn more about accessibility at Natural Lands. accessibility

An accessible restroom is located adjacent to the parking lot and is open during preserve hours.

Sorry, there are no picnic areas or drinking fountains.

Trails are through both sunny meadows and shady woodlands. Check out the AllTrails app or website to find trail elevation, lengths, and reviews. Binky Lee on AllTrails

Leashes required. Pets are permitted but must be leashed at all times to keep people, other pets, and wildlife safe. No exceptions. Violators may be asked to leave.
Leave no trace. Please leave all plants, flowers, animals, rocks, and artifacts for all visitors to enjoy.
Take your trash. Please pick up all trash, even biodegradable materials like food scraps.
Stick to trails. Please stay on designated trails to protect fragile plants, prevent erosion or wildlife disturbance, and reduce the chance of tick-borne illnesses.
No motorized vehicles or mountain bikes. Motorized wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices are welcome for visitors with disabilities.
No hunting, trapping, or fishing.
No drones or professional photography.
No picnicking or alcohol.

learn more before you go

Scenic overlook along the Red and Yellow Trails (with a view of our nearby Bryn Coed Preserve)
Old mill race
The forest we’ve established after decades of tree planting
Peaceful and fragrant pine grove
Charming historical spring house
Hand-painted mural on the parking lot retaining wall